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Wednesday, November 14th, 2018
Esquire Collection: The unique dark color of the bricks in this room provide the right backdrop for the light-colored furnishings.
Do you know what brick is made of? It contains clay minerals, shale, and kaolin. There are also small amounts of barium, manganese, barium carbonate, and other additives such as ammonium compounds, papermaking byproducts, wetting agents, deflocculents, flocculent, and sand.
The manufacturing process of bricks includes crushing and grinding of raw materials; then the selection, filtering, drying, firing, and cooling. The final process is the dehacking where they are stacked, then wrapped using steel bands.
Brick Room Decoration
A brick-walled room can be overwhelming to decorate at first. But as soon as you see the color, texture and overall beauty that the bricks can offer, you will realize what a wonderful design opportunity awaits you.
Often reddish or cream colored, the brick walls offer an astounding backdrop where you can layer textures and colors to help you create a one-of-a-kind space. Whether you’re aiming to create a classic or a contemporary home, a bathroom, living room, find the right accessories and artwork that will complement this natural material as well as your personal style.
Brick Living Room
A living room with full brick walls can be a lot of things. It can be chic or edgy urban with the reddish clash look or it can be country with the cream bricks, wood trim on the windows, dark wood flooring, and the wood rafter ceiling.
Use Louis XVI chairs to stylize the setting. A loveseat and a settee could complete the classic look. Match these with an ottoman, dark wood accents, and cream-hued wood side tables.
You can also create an urban setting using a black leather couch, rough wood crate-style end tables, wooden trunk, and light accessories. A salvaged door can also be highlighted. Pepper the room with just enough artwork to focus on the gritty style.
Brick Kitchen
Don’t immediately think that brick walls are cold. These, too, can help bring warmth into your kitchen as you highlight the deep red clay of the bricks. Add some potted herbs, natural light filtering through the windows, and some clean kitchen surfaces and you’ve got an awesome place for cooking.
Don’t hide those exposed fixtures and plumbing pipes. Whether you have the cream or red brick type, the worn wooden elements whether on the kitchen island surface or the flooring can all create the right ensemble for a brick zone.
Use open shelving to showcase your glassware, china, and enamel jars. Match these with shiny appliances to complete the space.
Brick Bathroom
Porcelain, wood, and brick all go perfectly together inside any bathroom. Begin with some wood-grained tiles and use white fixtures throughout. The color palette that would match these elements is dark blues and deep reds, even orange shades on the rugs, curtains, and towels.
Brick Bedroom
The cream-colored bricks are great in warming up homes with wood furnishings and light-colored bedding. You can then add textured layers with the deep brown throws or elements of deep violets and dark reds.
The red brick bedroom can be sleeker and more modern. This is the perfect space to support accent colors that are bold and daring like bright reds, lime green, and yellows.
Use a light-colored headboard for a more contemporary setting. Support these with side tables and color-coordinated throws and pillows.
Then Add Greeneries
One of the most effective ways to emphasize natural brick elements is to surround it with the colors of Mother Nature. Infuse wood accents with the shelves, picture frames, side tables, and headboards.
And what better way is there to bring the beauty of nature in than to use potted plants and flowers in vases in?
Tags: brick, brick design, brick wall design, decorating brick walls, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Brick Room and What To Do With It
Tuesday, October 31st, 2017
The lovely brick walls serve as the frame to the equally lovely pieces. Featured here is the Meritage Aerostat Cocktail Table.
Two of the most abundant raw materials on earth are shale and clay. These are the main ingredients in creating bricks. These materials are then fired up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit inside a kiln. Through chemical transformation and vitrification, these two minerals are then fused for good. The resulting product can then be used as a durable piece of construction material.
A lot of people mistake concrete brick for clay brick. The former uses a gray paste to bond the raw materials. Also, the pigment is added to make the material more interesting.
Clay brick is also stronger than cement brick this is why it remains to be the most sought-after type of brick in the industry.
Architecture Made with Clay Brick
Heated clay brick has long been used as a building material in the U.S. And since this is such a durable material, majority of the colonial brick structures that were made in the 1700s are still standing today.
It is amazing to note that architectural marvels such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The renowned Glass House, as well as the nearby brick houses, are now parts of Modern Art.
Pelli Clarke Pelli also used brick in designing the beautiful The Solaire.
Pavements made with brick were also quite popular during the colonial times. These clay pavers are now over two centuries old. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway had about three million pavers made from 1910-1911. These are still in use today and since they are made of fired clay bricks, they did not fade or even require sealers throughout the years.
Awesome Bricks in Homes
Since bricks are durable materials, it is not surprising that they are preferred by many homeowners. Just think about this – almost every Union State has a street that has the word brick on it – from Brickyard to Brick Kiln, to simply Brick.
Brick is a sturdy cladding material that is used in many healthcare structures, schools, and government buildings. It is fairly common to find brick schools and brick apartment buildings nowadays. And here’s a trivia – more than eighty-percent of homeowners think of brick when they are about to build or reconstruct their homes.
So, are you aching to have a brick wall now? That’s not shocking news. Brick is gorgeous and its presence can instantly give your home a delightful appeal.
If you’re looking to have a modern or a country style home, your go-to material is no other than brick.
The first thing that you can do with it is to create stone walls with them. Instead of thinking that brick interior walls would look cold, think the other way around. Bricks can make the atmosphere of any room warmer and more welcoming.
Brick tiles are especially great to use in hallways, living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. If you’re thinking of adding a cellar, then this is also the material that will make this new addition to your home look more awesome.
Bricks are simply magical. It may be because they have been around for so long that people instantly think of reliability, solidity, and comfort when they see them.
Proper Care for Brick Walls
While bricks are lovely to look at, you have to prepare to take care of them. Be sure to conserve the beauty of the bricks’ surface and to keep damages at bay. To do this, clean each brick then leave a glossy, layered finish. You could also consider adding matte binders since these are effective in keeping dust away.
If you’ve used brick as a bathroom solution, make sure that you won’t face damaged grout later on. Reposition your brick walls where they won’t get any moisture. If there’s no way to do this now, then be sure to seal them at the very least.
Tags: brick, brick design, brick wall, designing a brick wall, designing with brick, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Sturdy Beauty of Clay Brick
Wednesday, December 7th, 2016
The Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Delancey Club Chair will look perfect against a brick backdrop.
One of the most interesting features of a home – no matter how quirky it may seem – are brick walls. That bold brick red color is sure to elicit attention. Admirers are many and so are those who think that it’s too gritty. No matter, if you’re determined to make it work for your home, then here are some tips that you need to consider –
Preserve Brick’s Beauty
If your home has those beautiful, exposed brick walls, then it’s a natural stunner. You would want to keep those bricks stunning by sealing and protecting the surface. Doing these will reduce the risk of degradation over time.
Applying slight gloss finish will make the bricks look lustrous. This is great for hallways spaces, otherwise, use a matte sealant that will not alter the natural look of bricks. Sealing will also keep mites as well as dust off, thus, helping in the maintenance of brick beauty.
Brick Cleaning
Brick walls may appear like they’re made of stones but these should not keep you from cleaning them. It is also advisable to clean the brick walls prior to sealing. Mix vinegar with water then spray the solution to the dirty spots. Rub gently with towel – use bristle brush only when stubborn dirt needs to be removed.
To make sure also that the bricks won’t crumble as you clean them, be sure to gently begin at an inconspicuous area. Harsher cleaners should only be used only when absolutely necessary.
About Moisture and Grout
Bathrooms and kitchens are moist areas so if the brick walls are found here, be sure to seal them so that mold and other such problematic issues don’t happen. If a bad case of grout has already taken place, then regrout the bricks so that a more solid surface is achieved. Do this by having the existing grout routed to no less than ¾ inch depth prior to refilling with fresh mortar.
Do this just once then gently seal and maintain.
Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Cornell Brick Red Table Lamp 26903 proves that brick doesn’t always have to be on the wall.070
Finishing Options
Covering or softening bricks is easy with a fresh coat of white paint. White paint is a popular option for people who want to preserve the brick’s texture. Whitewashing the walls will also give them a cleaner and more contemporary look.
This look can brighten up space and would make it look less busy. You can achieve streamlining with the whitewashed brick concept.
The white bricks look can also be taken to your bedroom as it offers a dreamier appeal.
To whitewash, just mix some water with paint about 1 part water to three parts of paint would do. Loosely apply the mixed paint using a large brush. Let the primary application absorb and dry before putting another coat. Paint in uneven patches so that you achieve an aged finish. Don’t forget to tape off adjacent walls or baseboards as well as the floor with a drop cloth.
Another brick finish that you could consider is gray – the warm, soft type would do. This will give your room a more organic and earthy feel while still providing a clean look.
Bricks can also be stained. Just like wood, you can alter the color of the bricks without actually erasing its texture. You can also achieve the faux vintage appeal if you apply the stain using a small brush in just a few areas. This will give the illusion of some bricks being replaced over time.
A Word of Caution
Remember that painting bricks can be a tricky project. Paint may strip later but bricks are also highly absorbent, meaning, their porous cores make them quite difficult to perfectly paint. Skip the trendiest color choices if you’re uncertain on what look to give your brick walls.
Tags: brick, brick wall, brick wall design, designing a brick wall, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design | No Comments »
Friday, April 1st, 2016
FFDM’s Sunset Canyon Collection has this hardwood cabinet that will make the perfect subject to the canvas that is the brickwork in your kitchen.
Brick. This can either be a boring or an exciting part of your home. Mostly, brick lends a warm, historic look, makes one wonder why many homeowners are afraid to use it especially in their kitchens. One reason could be because it could become a stack of greasy masonry behind a stove. Be afraid no more – you can even make brick veneer look so authentic that your relatives and friends would go gaga about it.
The most basic and easiest way to get real brick look is to purchase the right thickness of brick veneer. This has to be ¾ of an inch thick. Find the concrete-based products so that you won’t have to use sealants. If you still want to use sealant, then be sure to find silane-based sealants because they are breathable.
Sealant use could darken the color and could slow down the movement of moisture out for the brick veneer.
Texas homes use bricks in their homes because it can easily withstand the harshest climates. Reclaimed brick can be used to age the look of a kitchen. This automatically adds texture and warmth as the intricate brickwork bring special details into focus.
The secret to using brick, whether it is the real deal or the brick veneer type, is balance. This is especially true when you need to use it in the kitchen.
Bricks can pack in the most punch on the range wall and the floor. Don’t be limited to traditional or transitional looks, though. There is so much more to bricks that can define features inside your kitchen.
Brick Veneer Care
Do you know what you would do if spaghetti sauce suddenly splatters on your unsealed brick veneer? The cleaning part is easy but there are some guidelines to follow.
Use granulated soap with water then scrub using a stiff-bristled brush only. You can also use vinegar with water in 1:5 ratio.First, make sure that you do not use an acid-based cleaner. Throw all your wire brushes and say no to sandblasting and power washing from now on. All these items can erase the base color on the brick veneer.
Check the manufacturer’s installation as well as cleaning guides. These are information that is often posted on their websites or you can simply talk to their customer service departments.
If you want to add an authentic feel to your brick veneer, then you can hire a mason to apply grout. There are also transparent, no-sheen masonry sealers that you can consider when sealing stones and bricks.
Using brick for a kitchen backsplash is also a unique way to catch the attention of your visitors. This can be made of a thick, brick veneer. This can give your kitchen an industrial warehouse feel. You can have this sealed annually.
Remove the outlets from the brick veneer backsplash to improve the overall look. Move the outlets at a higher, horizontal position. Make sure that you still comply with the safety codes. To be sure, hire a professional electrician to do the installation for you.
Use the brick veneer from the inside corner through to the inside corner and then from the countertop then down the bottom of the ceiling or cabinet. A convincing authentic brick look only comes in where you conceal any part that tells the material is veneer. This can be achieved through ending the brick layout with the inside corner – all of the time.
If your dining area is adjacent to the kitchen, then you can effectively use bricks to tie both rooms. Embrace the industrial look while accentuating any steel or brick patterns. You might feel nervous to use brick at first but you will soon see how it can provide a look that no other material can offer.
Tags: brick, brick in the kitchen, brick interior design, brick interiors, brick veneer, brick wall, brick wall design, designing with brick, exposed bricks, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Architectural Elements, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Kitchen Design | No Comments »
Tuesday, January 19th, 2016
The clean lines of the American Leather Living Room Bookcase MEN-BKC-ES should fit right into your organic interiors.
Would you like to have the ability to bring nature right into your home? This is a quest that homeowners, over the centuries, have longed to achieve. Humans, after all, love organic interiors and the organic appeal of earth’s elements because he is one with them.
Organic modern dwellings are usually soothing and have a down-to-earth feel. The natural elements such as clean lines, rustic stuff, vegetation and lots of natural light – all add a certain level of warmth to any home with modern architecture.
Bringing organically inspired elements in your home can be achieved with these guidelines –
Choose Elements That Bring Peace
This does not mean doing the feng shui each time that you move your furniture about or buying only the feng shui approved pieces. Pick materials that showcase your personal flair. Some homeowners may like the look of natural rocks as wall art while others like the sophistication offered by dark mahogany furniture or flooring. Be sure to find natural elements that show your style while connecting you to your home.
Use Bricks as a Focal Point or Backdrop
Brick making is a process that involves natural elements such as water, clay, mud and fire. These eventually produce one of the sturdiest building materials.
The appeal of brick transcends time. Its rustic uniformity makes old homes and now modern dwellings a place to marvel at.
Stanley Furniture Dining Room Farmer’s Market Table 018-61-32 at McCreerys Home Furnishings.
Never Go Without Wood
Wood is the soul of organic design. The imperfections of wood such as grains and knots are the very things that make it stand out. Wooden furniture now comes in various species and finishes. You can use this material from your ceiling beams down to your dining table, chairs, even the flooring.
Look for furniture with country and rustic appeal if you want to achieve a traditional look in your home. For those who are looking to have a contemporary setting, look for wood furniture with non-complex, free from ornamentation lines.
The Farmer’s Market Table on the left comes with a simple scalloped pattern. This can serve as a heritage piece, one that evokes a country feel. Its French style finish, bun foot legs, and Dutch white cedar all contribute to a lovely feature for this wooden piece.
Bring in Nature in Every Room
Bringing in natural finishes in your dwelling place is no longer a new concept yet it has become a game changer of sorts to many homeowners. You can look into buying organic bedding for your bedroom. These are those sheets that come with rustic leaves or birds as designs.
A Zen fountain can make a home office feel more calming and soothing.
Design your home according to the concepts that make you feel more excited, charged, even calmed and find out how nature would play its role in your home.
When it comes to floral inspiration, make sure that you bring in the real thing. It can be frustrating to see fake greenery covered in dust inside any of your rooms. Allow nature to find its way to your interiors by bringing in potted plants, flowers, cacti, and succulents in their natural state.
Another room where you need to feel relaxed or rejuvenated is the bathroom. A water heater can make your body feel soothed. It can even transport your mind to a much needed level of serenity. This is something that you can look forward to after a long day of work.
Add wood walls in your bathroom to attain the look of a dry heat sauna. Fixtures must have minimal lines and your source of light is preferably from the sun’s rays flowing right into this room. At night, find a light source that still creates the ideal, one-of-a-kind experience in bathing.
Living in organic interiors is not just relaxing, it can also make you feel a sense of fulfillment as you help Mother Earth in the process.
Tags: brick, brick wall, focal point, homey, homey ambiance, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, natural, natural elements, nature, nature in interior design, nature-inspired home, nature's colors, organic home design, organic interior design, organic interiors, organic living, tips, wood, wood elements, wood pieces, Zen, Zen design, Zen habitat, Zen interiors, Zen living, Zen style
Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes, Interior Design Trends | No Comments »
Thursday, January 14th, 2016
This classic wooden drawer is from FFDM’s American Cherry Collection.
Southwestern design is defined with earth colors and the richest textures. This means that you should use more of orange, yellow, turquoise, and red clay. Clay tile roofs, terracotta and handcrafted stuff are all welcome in a southwestern home.
Upholstery for this design is chiefly woven fabrics, suede, animal hides or leather. Blankets could be made of traditional native clothing. Do not limit the use for these beautiful pieces inside the bedroom because they can also be great wall decor.
Wood furniture is a must and could also feature metal accents or a distressed finish. The accents used in southwestern environments can be anything from painted ceramics to hand-painted tiles. If you can find early pieces dating all the way back to 16th century Mexico, the better.
Tribal Design Elements
You will see a lot of Native American pieces inside a southwestern home. Elements such as latillas, vigas and other artwork are design themes that are commonly used in architecture. This style is quite earthy as well as organic as it captures the heritage of Arizona and New Mexico areas. Natural accents, colors and other elements look and feel a lot like Mexican, Spaniard, and Native American designs; open floor plans, flat roofs and courtyards, even gardens can become a part of your home.
This Hooker Furniture Living Room Covington Bogue Club Chair has the right color to give life to a southwestern habitat.
Southwestern design makes use of subdued earthy tones like tan, cream, brown, terracotta, and white. These colors are great as backdrop for American Indian-inspired textiles and accents. Azure is a famous color for windows and doors. Any color found in nature such as forest green, salmon, sunny yellow and slate blue can fit perfectly in southwestern interiors.
Southwestern furniture should be unpretentious. Say no to anything intricate. Cherry, walnut, pine, and just about any mid-tone wood would do. It should have soft leather or natural textiles as coverings. Make use of huge pillows right on the floor as well as hammocks in your courtyard. These can be alternative seats for your guests. Always remember that the rooms must be spacious or have a natural flow.
As for the walls, they are often made with the same materials as the exteriors. Mostly adobe, interior walls are roughly plastered. Others use smooth stone or stucco. If you want to add warmth and color onto a boring wall, then use hand-painted tiles. They can also be used in covering kitchen backsplash. If not, use the tiles as individual accents.
Murals are also a huge depiction of southwestern culture. Have spiritual stories or rituals painted on murals then have them installed as a statement wall.
You can also try stucco plaster then add builder’s sand to the paint. You may also use special paint effects such as suede, color washing, or faux paint.
Capel Incorporated Floor Coverings Biltmore Select Bidjar Rug 1773RS02000300450 at McCreerys Home Furnishings
Southwestern floors are often honey-colored. Other homeowners prefer terracotta tiles. Adding visual interest on your floors is easy. Just arrange the tiles in patterns and layouts.
Parquet or light wood flooring is widely used. You can color this kind of flooring with cobalt blue or any other earthy color to make it more exciting. Carpets and rugs are valuable pieces but if you do not want these in your home, then be sure to opt for hardwood flooring.
Use brick or stones throughout your home without letting the style suffer. Use lovely rugs with traditional patterns and colors brighten up the room.
Southwestern accents are mostly paintings, candles, wrought-iron stuff, dried flowers, sculptures, pottery (the hand-painted type), and animal skins.
Learn these Southwestern design tips and begin bringing rustic beauty into your lovely home.
Tags: animal print, brick, earthy, guidelines, leather, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Mexican, Mexican interior design, Mexican interiors, Mexican style, Native American, Native American design, natural stone, neutral, neutrals, paint, rustic, rustic decor, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interior design, rustic look, rustic style, rustic theme, southwestern interior design, southwestern interiors, Spanish, stone, textures, tips, tribal, warm colors, wood elements, wood furniture, wooden elements, wrought iron, wrought iron furniture
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
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